DOT To Close Several Passes Due To Avalanche Safety
If you are hitting the roads this weekend, be aware that the Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will close Chinook Pass between Crystal Mountain Boulevard, about 12 miles northwest of the summit, and Morse Creek, five miles east of the summit due to potential avalanches and Cayuse Pass will close between Crystal Mountain Boulevard and Stevens Canyon Road.
The WSDOT hopes to reopen the gates again this season, but the weather will determine if it’s possible.
The steep peaks along this scenic highway have dozens of avalanche chutes that can quickly fill up with unstable snow – creating an unsafe situation for crews working or people driving along this stretch.
Crews will re-evaluate on Monday, Nov. 6.